Living Costs In Germany

What Does a Stay in Germany Cost?

Germany often offers somewhat lower living costs compared to its neighboring countries, Austria and Switzerland, especially in smaller cities. However, as always, much depends on the region and your lifestyle. We’ll show you what living costs you can expect in Germany. The figures are average estimates and can vary based on location and personal preferences. Still, they provide a solid basis to help you plan your finances better.

Housing In Germany For An Average Of 600 Euros

Rent In Germany

Rental prices in Germany vary significantly depending on the city and region. In major cities like Munich, Frankfurt, or Hamburg, rents are notably higher than in smaller towns or rural areas:

• Berlin: In the capital, rent for small apartments ranges from about 700 to 1,200 euros per month. A place in a student dormitory is cheaper, costing around 300 to 500 euros.

• Munich: Munich is known for its high rents. For a small apartment, you can expect to pay around 900 to 1,500 euros monthly. A room in a student dormitory costs about 350 to 600 euros.

• Hamburg: In the port city, rent for a small apartment is approximately 700 to 1,200 euros per month. A place in a student dormitory costs around 300 to 500 euros.

• Frankfurt: In the financial metropolis, rent for a small apartment is about 800 to 1,300 euros monthly. A room in a student dormitory costs around 350 to 550 euros.

• Leipzig: Rents are more affordable here. For a small apartment, you’ll pay about 500 to 800 euros, while a room in a student dormitory costs around 200 to 400 euros.

Student Dormitories vs. Private Apartments

Student dormitories are often the more affordable option, typically costing between 200 and 600 euros per month, depending on the city, location, and facilities. Dormitories often offer communal spaces and events that can help you connect with others quickly.

Private apartments, on the other hand, are generally more expensive. For smaller apartments, you should expect rental prices between 500 and 1,500 euros. Private apartments offer more independence and privacy but also come with additional costs such as deposits, furniture, and utility bills.

Utilities

In addition to rent, most apartments and student dormitories have extra costs for electricity, heating, water, internet, and waste disposal. Here’s an overview:

• Electricity: Approximately 30 to 50 euros per month, depending on usage

• Heating: Around 50 to 100 euros per month, depending on the season and heating system

• Water: About 20 to 40 euros per month

• Internet: Between 20 and 40 euros per month, depending on the provider and plan
• Waste Disposal Fees: Around 10 to 20 euros per month

Overall, you should budget an additional 100 to 250 euros per month for utilities on top of your rent. Be sure to check what utilities are included in the rent and which are charged separately.

Food Costs Of Around 200–400 Euros

From regular grocery shopping to occasional dining out – here is an overview of food costs in Germany.

Grocery Costs

For your weekly grocery shopping, you should budget around 50 to 100 euros, depending on your eating habits and the products you choose. Basic groceries like bread, milk, fruits, and vegetables have the following approximate prices in supermarkets and discount stores:

• Bread: About 2 to 4 euros per loaf

• Milk: Around 1 to 1.50 euros per liter

• Eggs: Approximately 2 to 4 euros per dozen

• Fruits & Vegetables: Depending on the season and supply, about 2 to 5 euros per kilogram.

Cafeterias & Cafés

Many students regularly eat at cafeterias or student cafés. The cost for a lunch in a cafeteria typically ranges between 3 and 7 euros. Snacks and drinks in cafés usually cost between 2 and 5 euros.

Dining Out

If you enjoy eating out frequently, you should expect higher costs:

• Coffee or Tea: Around 2 to 4 euros per cup

• A Simple Lunch: About 10 to 15 euros in a restaurant

• Dinner: Between 15 and 30 euros, depending on the restaurant and location.

Overall, you should budget approximately 200 to 400 euros per month for food, depending on how often you cook at home or eat out.

Transport for 50–150 Euros

Whether you commute daily to university or occasionally travel on vacation, here’s what you should expect in terms of transport costs.

Public Transportation

In most German cities, public transport is a convenient and often affordable way to get around. The prices for monthly or semester tickets vary by city:

• Berlin: A monthly ticket costs around 70 to 80 euros. The semester ticket for students is approximately 150 to 200 euros for six months.

• Munich: A monthly ticket here costs about 60 to 70 euros, while the semester ticket is around 120 to 150 euros.

• Hamburg: In Hamburg, a monthly ticket costs about 50 to 60 euros. The semester ticket is around 100 to 130 euros.

• Frankfurt: A monthly ticket is about 70 to 80 euros, and the semester ticket is around 130 to 160 euros.

• Leipzig: In Leipzig, prices are lower. A monthly ticket costs about 30 to 40 euros, and the semester ticket is around 60 to 80 euros.

Bicycle & Car

If you prefer getting around on two wheels or by car, different costs apply:

• Bicycle: The purchase cost for a good bicycle can range from 200 to 600 euros. Alternatively, you can rent a bike, which costs about 5 to 15 euros per day or 30 to 100 euros per month. Many cities also offer bike-sharing programs where you can use bikes for short trips, typically for about 1 to 3 euros per hour.

• Car: The costs for a car include purchase, insurance, fuel, and parking fees. Monthly expenses can vary widely but generally range from 150 to 300 euros, depending on the type of vehicle and usage.

Travel Costs Within & Outside Germany

If you frequently travel within Germany or to neighboring countries, you’ll incur additional costs for train and bus tickets:

• Domestic Travel: A train ticket for a route within Germany can cost between 20 and 60 euros, depending on the distance and time of booking.

• International Travel: For trips abroad, prices vary significantly depending on the destination and booking time. For example, a train ticket from Berlin to Amsterdam costs about 40 to 80 euros, from Munich to Zurich about 50 to 90 euros, and from Frankfurt to Paris about 70 to 120 euros. Budget an additional 50 to 150 euros per trip.

Insurance & Health

In Germany, it is legally required for you to have health insurance while studying. This applies to both German and international students. Therefore, it is important to arrange suitable health insurance early and include potential additional health costs in your budget.

Overall, you should budget about 120 to 200 euros per month for health insurance and health-related expenses.

Health Insurance

As a student in Germany, you must be either publicly or privately insured. The options and costs are as follows:

• Public Health Insurance (GKV): Most students are covered by public health insurance. The monthly contributions are about 110 to 120 euros. This insurance covers most basic health services.

• Private Health Insurance (PKV): If you opt for private health insurance, the costs can range from 150 to 200 euros per month. This depends on your age, health condition, and the chosen plan.

Health Costs

In addition to insurance, you should also plan for potential extra health costs:

• Doctor Visits: With valid health insurance, you generally do not pay a practice fee anymore. However, there may still be co-payments for certain services or treatments, which can cost about 5 to 10 euros per treatment, depending on the service.

• Medications: The costs for prescription medications are often about 5 to 20 euros per prescription. Many common medications are partially covered by insurance.

• Therapies & Examinations: If you require specific therapies or examinations, costs can vary. These are often partially covered by insurance, depending on the policy and necessity.

Leisure & Culture

With a budget of 50 to 100 euros per month, you can regularly enjoy leisure and cultural activities and fully experience student life in Germany.

Cultural Events

Germany offers a rich cultural scene with numerous opportunities for leisure activities. The prices for cultural events vary depending on the type and location:

• Cinema: A ticket costs about 8 to 12 euros. Many cinemas offer discounted prices for students and special deals.

• Theater: Theater tickets generally range from 15 to 30 euros, depending on the performance, seating category, and theater.

• Museums: Museum admission usually costs about 5 to 15 euros. Many museums offer discounts or even free entry for students.

Leisure Activities

You should also budget for sports and other leisure activities:

• Gym: A monthly subscription costs around 30 to 50 euros. Many gyms offer discounts for students, so you might be able to save a bit.

• Sports Classes: Prices for classes such as yoga, Pilates, or dance are about 10 to 20 euros per class. There are often discounted packages available for multiple classes.

• Amusement Parks & Excursions: Admission to amusement parks or larger excursions can range from 20 to 50 euros, depending on the type of attraction and location.

Going Out & Socializing

Social activities are an important part of student life and should be included in your budget planning:

• Cafés & Bars: A visit to a café costs about 2 to 5 euros for a coffee or snack. In bars, you can expect to pay around 4 to 8 euros for a drink.

• Parties & Clubs: Entry to clubs or parties often ranges from 5 to 15 euros, depending on the event, location, and size of the event.

Costs For Study Materials

The costs for study materials vary depending on your field of study and needs. You should budget around 80 to 250 euros per semester for books, software, and other learning materials.

• Textbooks: Textbooks are often a significant investment for your studies. New textbooks can cost about 50 to 150 euros per semester. Depending on your field of study and the extent of the required literature, these costs can vary. Used books or library loans can be a cost-effective alternative to help save money.

• Copies & Printing Costs: For copying and printing lecture notes, scripts, or other materials, you should budget around 10 to 30 euros per semester. These costs depend on how many documents you need to print or copy and how often you use these services.

• Software & Learning Materials: Some degree programs require special software or additional learning materials. The costs for these can range between 20 and 100 euros per semester, depending on your field of study.

Living In Germany For An Average Of 1,200 Euros

In Germany, you should budget around 1,200 euros per month for your studies and living expenses. In large cities like Munich, Berlin, or Hamburg, costs can be higher, particularly for rent and leisure activities. In smaller cities such as Heidelberg, Freiburg, or Regensburg, the cost of living is often lower, allowing you to live more affordably overall.